Rajasthan Royals enter IPL 2025 with a strengthened squad and renewed determination. Led by Sanju Samson, the team boasts key players such as Jaiswal, Hetmyer, and Archer. They have fortified their spin attack with Hasaranga and Theekshana. While they face challenges like lack of all-rounders, their potential and past performance position them as serious title contenders.
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Captain Meg Lanning's stellar 69 off 49 balls led Delhi Capitals to a seven-wicket victory over UP Warriorz in the Women's Premier League (WPL). Chasing 166, Lanning was supported by Annabel Sutherland's unbeaten 41 and Marizanne Kapp's 19 not out. Despite Kiran Navgire’s explosive 51, UP Warriorz’s total proved insufficient against Delhi's strong batting performance.
New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been named captain of the Desert Vipers for the ILT20 season, replacing Colin Munro. Head coach James Foster commended Ferguson's skills and leadership, highlighting his consistent performance and strong temperament. UAE's Khuzaima bin Tanveer also joins the team, emphasizing the squad's ambition to win the competition.
India set a record for most consecutive tosses lost in ODIs, with Pakistan choosing to bat first in their Champions Trophy match. Losses began November 23rd, surpassing Netherlands' record of 11. India remain unchanged, aiming for semi-final qualification. Pakistan made one change, with Imam replacing Fakhar Zaman. Both teams look forward to their high-stakes encounter.
Veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja, 38, plans to continue his Test career as long as he feels he is contributing effectively. Despite a below-par performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Khawaja remains focused on contributing to the Australian team's success, maintaining regular communication with coach Andrew McDonald and chief selector George Bailey.
Virat Kohli is intensely preparing for RCB's match against CSK, showing his hunger to improve even further. RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik praised Kohli's focus and confidence. Meanwhile, CSK's Rachin Ravindra, with his ability to handle spin and a strong recent performance, is highlighted as a potential game-changer by coach Stephen Fleming.
In Abu Dhabi, the Gulf Giants secured a crucial two-wicket victory over MI Emirates in ILT20 Season 3, lifting them to fifth place on the points table. Fast bowler Tom Curran praised the team's bowling, while reflecting on his own satisfactory performance. Meanwhile, MI Emirates' Rohid Khan highlighted efforts and learning opportunities from senior players despite the narrow loss.
Smriti Mandhana has become the fastest Indian woman to reach 4,000 runs in international cricket, surpassing Mithali Raj by achieving the milestone in just 95 innings. Mandhana's achievement places her third globally, behind Australia's Belinda Clark and Meg Lanning. This feat was accomplished during India's victory over Ireland women in the first ODI on Friday.
Washington Sundar praised Nitish Kumar Reddy's impressive maiden century in the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Reddy's composed 100 off 171 balls helped India avoid a follow-on and featured a popular celebration tribute. Sundar highlighted the team's clarity on their responsibilities and commended Reddy's skill and temperament during the crucial 127-run partnership.
Australia have dropped opener Nathan McSweeney. Sam Konstas will replace him for the final two Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches. Selectors believe Konstas' aggressive batting style will boost Australia's struggling top order. Former cricketer Mark Waugh thinks the move prioritizes winning the series. Australia are currently tied 1-1 with India. The fourth Test begins Thursday at the MCG.
ICC chairman Jay Shah attended the Brisbane 2032 Olympic committee meeting, discussing cricket's exciting future in the Olympics. Shah played a key role in cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, highlighting its global fanbase and potential for growth. He believes Olympic participation will boost the sport's reach into new markets.